Several council members had expressed their concerns during a May meeting regarding the diocese relocating to the strip mall on Weber Road. This sale will cause the city to lose out on sales tax and property tax for that location.

Last week, Ward 2 Alderwoman Claudia Gazal stressed the importance of looking at the available land in Crest Hill to ensure that something like this would not happen again.

Ward 3 Alderman Neal Sternisha called it an “epic failure.”

Mayor Ray Soliman, in collaboration with Joliet Mayor Tom Giarrante, brought a resolution before council stating that Joliet and the city of Crest Hill would work with the Diocese of Joliet to find a different site in Joliet.

After reading the resolution Monday night, Gazal reiterated that her concern was focusing on the available land in Crest Hill.

I agree with 'RaysFriend'. There are a few sites that sit vacant or underused on Weber, aside from this site that languished for 4+ years. Maybe this embarrassment (a brand new, ready-for-move-in strip mall that couldn't attract flies) will spur them to develop the other malls/land that they still have.

The diocese took advantage of a great opportunity - which is well within their rights. Sheesh. You'd think Crazy Rock was trying to relocate there.:) Or maybe that's what the Mayor would prefer....

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